Cosmic Trifecta

by Anna Lewis

  Ajax’s eyes widened, before they narrowed. “You’re getting into dangerous business.”

  “What, because of the Black Dragons?” she sneered.

  “Yeah, because of them.” Fire was lighting in his eyes “You don’t believe me?”

  “You haven’t given me any reason other than the club! No, I don’t believe you.” She was almost shouting now, wondering how such a gorgeous evening was turning out so terribly. Her heart was breaking and she wished that he would stop being so stubborn.

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  “Yes, it does! What makes your club so dangerous, huh?!” She was almost mocking him now, and she could see it pushing his buttons.

  “Because our name isn’t ironic!” he snapped. Then he paled and pushed himself to his feet.

  Janice’s anger drained from her and she looked at him in confusion. “Not ironic?”

  “I’ve said too much.” Ajax turned.

  Janice jumped up and grabbed him by the arm, voice soft now, “No…what do you mean...” Their eyes met. “Tell me.”

  They stayed like that for a long moment, gazes locked, staring at each other, before Ajax sighed, a slow, long sigh and sat back down.

  “It’s not ironic,” he said bluntly. “We’re dragon shifters.”

  For a moment, Janice wasn’t sure that she had heard him correctly. Dragon shifters? What did that even mean? That was something out of legends and romance novels. It wasn’t reality. He couldn’t mean it.

  Their eyes met and Janice suddenly knew that he did. He did mean it and he was being honest. Janice felt her world spin and she sank back into the chair, trying to calm her pounding heart.

  “I knew it.” Ajax sighed and made to stand again. Janice grabbed his hand, smiling slowly. “Give me a break, Ajax. It’s a lot to take in.” She held up a hand. “Give me a few hours to process it…but…I believe you.”

  Surprise flashed across Ajax’s features and he tried to protest but Janice shook her head. “You’re too handsome to be human.” She laughed and the tension in the air broke.

  The rest of their evening passed in relative peace, Janice trying to process everything that Ajax had said, Ajax trying to wrap his head around the fact that Janice really did believe him. They talked about how the whole club were dragons, and how the club loyalty was pretty strong because of it.

  Ajax explained how, yes, he could change into a dragon, but the preferred way was to do a partial change and use extra strength, speed, and claws as an advantage. It wasn’t a once a month sort of change—it happened at will, usually.

  By the time Janice tumbled into bed that night, after kissing Ajax goodbye, her heart felt a million times lighter than it had before, but her mind felt a million times heavier. He did care, he did and he didn’t want to leave her in the dust.

  But he was as dangerous as Janice had first feared, maybe even more so, and he definitely wasn’t human. A lot to wrap her head around, but Janice was confident. It was a lot to believe, but all that mattered was Ajax, the way he looked at her, held her, the sound of his laugh and the feel of his body. That was all that mattered and Janice wasn’t about to let go of it.

  She had her sister, the bar was safe, and now, now she had Ajax. Life seemed pretty perfect and Janice wasn’t about to let it go.

  She fell into a deep sleep, full of dreams and dragons. In the center of her imagination, was Ajax, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  ***

  When Janice woke, it was after noon. She stretched and pushed herself out of bed. It wasn’t unusual for her to wake up late, considering how late they stayed up to work. She was usually up by at least eleven, but she’d had a long night and a big day yesterday, so she cut herself some slack. The bar wouldn’t be open for a few more hours at least, so she had plenty of time.

  Jumping into the shower, Janice blasted herself with warm water, deciding to shampoo her hair and pamper herself a little. She’d been working hard lately and she was in no mood to see Ajax when she looked terrible and exhausted. He had seen her in a messy state from the beginning, running around in a stained bar apron, hair neat but nowhere near its usual shiny self. He had also seen her looking exhausted and Janice had had enough of it. She needed to take better care of herself, not just for Ajax, but for herself too. She felt a surge of pride in herself and all the work that she had been doing and the desire to take better care of herself reared its head, burning strongly within her.

  She deserved it, after all. Janice was not about to let herself slip any further down her priority list.

  She took time to put on a face mask, shave and scrub and pamper herself in every way. Then she rinsed it all off, wrapped herself up in a towel and rubbed lotions and creams into her skin. She dried and styled her hair into easy curls and dressed in a simple skirt and blouse combination. Some practical flats for work and a spray of perfume left her feeling fresh and ready to take on the day. A last look in the mirror had her nodding in satisfaction. She grabbed her bag, making sure that she had everything that she needed, before heading out the apartment.

  The weather was still warm, so she didn’t bother with a jacket. Instead, she decided to head downstairs to the bar and get ahead of some of the admin work. She had enough work without getting behind on the more boring parts of running a bar, so Janice headed down, grabbing herself some breakfast and a cup of coffee as she did. She breathed in the scent and took a long, slow sip. It was sweet and creamy, just like she enjoyed it best and Janice savored it, humming in satisfaction.

  The coffee made her smile, taking her mind back to the night before. A good night’s sleep had helped her clear her head and she was feeling much more confident about the whole thing. If Ajax was being honest, she would deal with it as it came. If not, she would deal with that too. One thing at a time.

  A thrill rushed down her spine—she couldn’t help but believe him and she didn’t hate the idea, not at all. All that power and superhuman ability…no wonder he was so magnetic. No wonder he smelled like smoke and tasted like hell, in the best possible way.

  Humming to herself, Janice let herself in and sat down to review the work. She was just starting to flick through and respond to a few of the latest bills, when there was a knock on the door.

  She glanced up, a wave of hope in her chest. Ajax, maybe it was Ajax. Everyone else knew that they were closed right now, and her sister had her own keys, considering she was the primary owner of the bar. Her heart pounded quietly in her chest, nervousness thrumming across her body, leaving it tense in a delicious way. Her mind drifted back to last night and she blushed, the thought bringing soft color to her cheeks.

  Janice stood, nervously smoothing down her skirt and her hair and making her way over to the door. She pulled it open, a greeting on her tongue. It died in her throat as her eyes fell on the man in the doorway.

  He was easily Ajax’s size, large and intimidating and Janice could smell the lingering scent of smoke even over his expensive cologne. She shivered as her eyes met his, blue and piercing. He smiled, and it seemed just as predatory as Ajax’s had been.

  He was impressive, and instead of a leather jacket and jeans, he wore a tailored suit. It fit him perfectly, smooth and immaculate. It looked expensive and he looked a whole different way from Ajax, a way that Janice hadn’t dealt with in a long time.

  He looked like he belonged in the city, and when he spoke, his voice was smooth and low. “I’m looking for the manager of this establishment.” He smiled at her and Janice felt the shivers run over her body.

  He was attractive, there was no getting away from it. Gorgeous eyes, tailored suit, and a sculpted jaw. Still, Janice felt cold in his presence. When she found her voice she nodded, “That would be me. What seems to be the problem?”

  Janice managed to fix a smile in place, although she was sure it looked forced, strained. The euphoria of the morning gave way to an odd sort of dread.

  “Excellent.” He smiled and offered his hand. “Lucas Balfour, law
yer. I’m here on behalf of my client. Could we speak in private?”

  Janice felt cold all over, her knees going a bit weak. Lawyers showing up at your business was almost never a good thing, even Janice knew that. Lawyer. Yes, yes, he certainly looked like a lawyer. Janice steadied herself, knowing if he proved dangerous, that the Black Dragon’s guards would not be far and they would help if she screamed.

  She stepped back and let him inside. He entered with the easy grace of a man who knew he was powerful. There was no bravado like there was with Ajax, just pure confidence. He sat down at a table after pulling a chair out for Janice.

  When she sat down, he smiled and looked her dead on. “Now, I’m not sure if I caught your name?”

  “Janice.” Her voice came out meek.

  “Ah, Janice. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He looked at her seriously, though a smile still played on his lips. “Janice, if I may speak very honestly with you…your business is in a bit of trouble.”

  “Trouble?” The dread in Janice’s stomach felt like it was turning to lead before her very eyes. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, you are facing a discrimination charge.” He was very calm about this and Janice supposed it was because he was used to this, because this was his job and what he did for a living. Janice on the other hand, felt ice slide into her body. She shivered.

  “Discrimination? Against who?” she asked.

  “Against a local motorcycle club. They are claiming discrimination based on group. Is this true?”

  Janice felt her mouth dry up and she swallowed, unable to say a word.

  Lucas smiled. “They are suing. It’s a considerable sum of money, Janice. I do hope your business is profitable.” He paused and looked at her dead on again. “Of course, there is always out of court settlement.”

  Janice’s head was still spinning and she wasn’t sure what she was feeling anymore. Hope, anger, worry and uncertainty all warred within her for dominant position and she swallowed deeply. “What do you mean?”

  Lucas looked her over slowly. “What I mean, is the opportunity to rectify your conduct. For example, letting them back into your establishment. Perhaps establishing a new system.”

  He smiled and Janice caught his meaning at once. Let the Reds in, and kick the Black Dragons out. Either switch loyalties or face a huge financial charge. Janice felt sick, dizziness working through her system and leaving her feeling like she was about to pass out.

  If she chose the Reds, she would lose the protection of the Black Dragons, she would lose their patronage, she would lose the extra money, and when they won, she would lose it all. She would lose Ajax.

  But if she chose the Black Dragons, she would lose the money and reputation that was keeping the business afloat. It seemed like, no matter what choice she made, she would lose far, far more than she wanted to. Both options would result in the closing of the bar. Her sister’s dream would go to ruin, they would both be out of a home, and they would both go under pretty quickly.

  Janice was starting to realize that, no matter what she chose, she’d lose it all. Even Ajax. Her heart twisted and Janice felt like she could not breathe. It was an impossible choice, an impossible decision and she suddenly felt burning anger at Lucas for bringing this choice into her life, bringing in the terrible choice, the ultimatum.

  “I need to think about it.” Her voice came out harder than she meant for it to, and Janice found that she didn’t care, she didn’t care at all. She was being polite, civil, and beyond that, she didn’t care. It was enough effort not to tell Lucas where to get off.

  But she couldn’t risk it all. She needed to figure it out. Maybe she could talk to Ajax. She knew where his loyalties were, but maybe he could help them figure a way out of his mess without losing the bar, or the war against the Reds.

  Lucas nodded, pulling out his card and placing it into her hand. He did it deliberately, slowly, and when their fingers touched, sparks jolted through Janice.

  “I need your answer within 24 hours. Please let me know and…don’t hesitate to contact me.”

  Then he was gone, walking out of the bar and leaving it like he had never been there at all. A ghost. A spirit.

  The bar was still in one piece, but Janice most certainly wasn’t.

  ***

  Ajax came around as quickly as he could after she phoned him. Janice suffered through a sleepless night alone after work, worrying, as he had a bit of a drive to get there. Once he was in town, though it didn’t take him long to pull up on his bike and jump off. He was tense and Janice could see the energy burning through him, hard and deep and Janice felt the shivers run through her. It was not the time, but she couldn’t help the way he made her feel.

  She bit her lip and ushered him inside. They sat inside the bar, lights low and blinds drawn, everything set up for a quiet conversation. She had told her sister that she’d handle set up and Charlie had been happy with that.

  Janice sat at the table, her head in her hands as she tried to figure out what to do and how much to tell Ajax. She decided to tell him all of it. She started slowly, letting him know about Lucas and his conversation, then moved on to telling him about her own worries and fears. She didn’t want him to think she was betraying him, and she did her best to let him know that she was planning fully to stay on his side.

  She meant it too. She just wanted this fixed, she didn’t want to betray Ajax and the Black Dragons. Ajax listened the entire time, pausing only to ask questions. When she was finished, he fixed her with a hard, keen gaze, and Janice had a feeling he was trying to tell whether or not she was lying to him, or what her true intentions are.

  She stared him back down, even though she was shaking inside. She didn’t want to lose him. She had only just gotten him and she didn’t plan on letting him go so easily. He finally nodded and stood up. Janice stood too, her knees shaking.

  When Ajax wrapped his arms around her, Janice thought she was going to cry. The tension rushed out of her deeply and she shivered as exhaustion finally flooded her. She’d been so worried. She still was, in fact, but knowing that Ajax was still by her side made the whole thing so much easier to deal with. She held him tightly, sighing in satisfaction at the feel of his leather jacket, his breath on her hair.

  “I’ll talk to Lucas. I think I know how to get this cleared up.”

  Then he kissed her and the world faded away. She gasped, a shiver passing through her as she kissed him back. His kiss was electric, just like it always was and the way his arms wrapped around her made her sigh in relief and satisfaction. She felt comfortable in his arms, she felt like everything was going to be okay.

  And even though the 24-hour time was almost up, and she was concerned about the bar, she felt herself melting into his arms none the less. His kisses were intoxicating and Janice kept going back for more and more.

  She moaned as his hand brushed the hem of her skirt, slowly creeping upwards and brushing her thigh. She blushed and shifted a little so that her legs were further apart. His hands brushed along her lace panties and Janice was glad she had worn them.

  They were skimpy, leaving little to the imagination and she felt Ajax shiver against her at the feel of them. He tugged at them, slipping them off her skin and letting them slide down her thighs. Janice stepped out of them and let them fall to the floor. She shivered as the warm air hit the warm place between her thighs. Ajax’s fingers found their mark, pushing slowly within her and Janice groaned and held onto him tightly.

  She rocked against him, his fingers pushing deeper within her and she gasped. He felt so good and she gripped onto his jacket tightly, her other hand tangling in his hair and tugging it softly. She shivered and gasped as she moved closer to him, wanting more, needing all of him, needing him inside of her.

  Ajax was panting, a heated sound as he held onto her. His free hand was wrapped strongly around her body, holding her safe and tight against his body. She felt his arousal through his jeans and thrilled at the fact that she could make
him feel this way, could arouse him and make him want her like this.

  Just like she wanted him. The thought sent shivers through her and she thought back to the weeks spent together, their last night of passion, hot and fast on a bike. She bit her lip and moaned. When Ajax pulled his fingers out of her, Janice bit her lip harder, wishing the feeling never had to leave.

  Her breath was coming in quick little gasps and she knew that the blush was creeping up her cheeks and down her breasts. She moaned softly as Ajax’s hands tangled in her hair and he kissed her slowly. When he finally pulled away, Janice was left breathless and shaky. His hand stayed in her hair, tangled through the strands and he slowly pushed her down.

  Janice shivered, feeling her own arousal burning through her skin. She slowly sank to the ground, letting her knees hit the floor beneath her feet. She shivered as he sank into the nearby chair, his hands still in her hair, pulling her in closer. Janice felt trembles run through her body, her need for him burning her skin and flashing through her body. Desire made her breathless and she blushed as Ajax slowly undid his jeans.

  He pulled his member free and Janice gasped at the size. He was big, something that she had felt the last time. However, seeing it was a whole different matter and it made Janice’s heart race as she realized clearly what he wanted her to do.

  He held her firmly, but gently and pulled her in close. Janice moaned as he touched her lips and she parted them to let him inside. She took him slowly, feeling the length and girth of him and blushing at the heat that flashed through her.

  She needed him, loved him, and wanted him in ways she could never have imagined. She felt her body trembling with excitement and she braced herself against his knees as she sucked. She wasn’t experienced with this, but it didn’t seem to matter to Ajax.

  He guided her anyway, strong hands and gentle movements pushing her where she needed to go. Janice licked, her tongue working across his skin, feeling the thrills passing through her at the situation. She closed her legs a little more, feeling the warmth between them.